THIS weekend will see some of the nation’s greatest strongmen descend on Chard for the second year running.

The British Disabled Strongman Championships were held in front of a sold out crowd last year, with the event expected to be popular once again.

This is the fifth year of the event after it was set up in 2015 by Chard resident Gary Clarke.

He said: “I am so grateful for everyone’s support. Without them I couldn’t do it.

“We are going to have around 20 people competing. We are using the event as a qualifier for the worlds, which is being held in Canada in June.

“We have got Magnus Magnusson and Arnar Mar Jonsson coming back again. They are very much looking forward to it.”

Magnusson is the four time winner of World’s Strongest man, while Arnar Mar Jonsson founded the World Disabled Strongman.

Despite previously being held in bigger venues in Stoke-on-Trent and Kent, last year’s disabled strongman in Chard was the most successful ever.

“To have it packed before we even started last year was incredible,” said Gary, who has cerebral palsy.

“Then we filled the standing room, and even had to turn some people away.

“We would love to fill it up again this year.”

The event will take place at the Chard Guildhall on Saturday (April 27).

Proccedings are set to start at around 10am, with the first event being the sled pull.

There will be a circus dumbell press, kicking off at 11.30am.

The 20 contestants will attempt the deadlift at 12.30pm. At 1.45pm, the crucible hold event will begin.

The famous atlas stones will take place at 2.45pm, before a winner’s presentation scheduled for 4pm.